Horse Soldier Bourbon Releases Rare 13-Year Whiskey for Bicentennial

Limited-edition $700 bottle pays homage to America's 250th anniversary and supports historic preservation.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:37am

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Horse Soldier Bourbon, founded by a team of retired U.S. Special Forces veterans, has unveiled its rarest release to date - the Liberty Edition, a 13-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon timed to coincide with the country's 200th anniversary. The 100-proof, one-off release features a stunning bottle design evoking the Statue of Liberty, with only 1,776 decanters produced. For each bottle sold, Horse Soldier is making a donation to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Foundation.

Why it matters

The release of the Liberty Edition bourbon is a symbolic and meaningful moment, tying together Horse Soldier's military origins, American heritage, and commitment to preserving historic landmarks. As the brand prepares to open its expansive Horse Soldier Farms destination in Kentucky, this rare whiskey release represents the next chapter in the company's growth and evolution.

The details

The Liberty Edition bourbon features a mashbill of 74% corn, 18% rye, and 8% malted barley, which bourbon enthusiasts will recognize as the same recipe used by Barton 1792 Distillery. The 13-year-old liquid offers notes of butterscotch, toffee, and a pleasing herbal and peppery spice. The bottle itself is a showpiece, with an antiqued copper label, patina-like teal accents, and a radiant gold flame enclosure - all evoking the Statue of Liberty.

  • The Liberty Edition bourbon is being released in 2026 to coincide with the United States' 250th anniversary.
  • Horse Soldier Farms, the brand's new state-of-the-art production facility and visitor destination, is scheduled to open to the public on July 4, 2026.

The players

Horse Soldier Bourbon

A craft bourbon brand founded by a team of retired U.S. Special Forces veterans, known for its commitment to American heritage and values.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Foundation

A non-profit organization that supports the preservation and maintenance of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, two iconic American landmarks.

Barton 1792 Distillery

The Kentucky distillery that produces the bourbon used in the Horse Soldier Liberty Edition release, known for its signature mashbill.

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What they’re saying

“My leadership approach is rooted in the principles behind special operations—small teams, high trust, and the ability to operate in uncertain environments without over-structuring the process. We emphasize alignment on intent, not micromanagement, so people understand the 'why' and can make decisions at their level with confidence.”

— Scott Neil, Co-Founder, Horse Soldier Bourbon

“The three pillars must stand independently and reinforce one another. The bottle and design is stunning and timeless. The 13 year old bourbon is outstanding-Liquid integrity and selected to match the gravity of the occasion. The meaning and cause is one that touches the hearts and minds of so many people, especially on the 250th anniversary of the USA.”

— Elizabeth Pritchard-Koko, Co-Founder, Horse Soldier Bourbon

“We had no resources, no training, no business experience, and walked into a space dominated by global giants. What we had was each other, and genuine care for the American patriots who would eventually drink this bourbon. It is our vision to have people see our Spirit as the one that lives inside all of us.”

— John Koko, Co-Founder, Horse Soldier Bourbon

What’s next

Horse Soldier Farms, the brand's new production facility and visitor destination, is scheduled to open to the public on July 4, 2026, providing an immersive experience for fans of the bourbon.

The takeaway

The release of the Horse Soldier Bourbon Liberty Edition represents the brand's commitment to honoring American history, values, and landmarks. By tying the rare 13-year whiskey to the country's 250th anniversary and supporting the Statue of Liberty preservation, Horse Soldier is creating a meaningful and premium product that resonates with patriotic consumers.